Reed valve and reed valve airbox

ABSTRACT

A reed valve includes a first valve body portion that includes one or more inlet apertures fluidly coupled to a tapered second valve body portion that includes one or more outlet apertures. The reed valve includes at least one sealing surface disposed proximate the one or more outlet apertures and at least one petal continuously, reversibly, displaceable between an OPEN position permitting forward flow through the reed valve when a fluid pressure proximate the at least one inlet aperture exceeds a fluid pressure proximate the at least one outlet aperture and a CLOSED position preventing reverse flow through the reed valve when a fluid pressure proximate the at least one outlet aperture exceeds a fluid pressure proximate the at least one inlet aperture. The reed valve may be installed in an airbox assembly used with a turbocharged engine to reduce the occurrence of turbo-lag on acceleration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/988,850 filed Mar. 12, 2020, which is fullyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to engine parts and moreparticularly to the field of reed valves assemblies having improvedsealing.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Reed valves have been used in two stroke engine applications to controlthe fuel-air mixture flow from the carburetor to the cylinder(s). Thereed valve opens, permitting flow through the valve, when exposed to adownstream negative pressure/vacuum (e.g., piston moving down), andcloses preventing flow through the valve when exposed to a downstreampositive pressure (e.g., piston moving up). Operation of the engine(e.g., movement of the piston within the cylinder) causes a change inthe intake pressures. For example, in a two-stroke engine, during thecompression stroke the upward motion of the piston creates a vacuum inthe crankcase drawing the fuel/air mixture into the engine, during thepower stroke the downward motion of the piston draws the fuel/airmixture from the crankcase into the cylinder and increases the pressurein the crankcase causing the reed valve to close, preventing the flow offuel/air mixture into the crankcase.

Increasing the quantity of air introduced into the cylinder(s) increasesthe power output of an engine. Turbochargers and superchargers arefrequently used to increase the pressure, and consequently the volume,of air introduced to the cylinder(s). A turbocharger includes an exhaustdriven turbine coupled to an inlet air compressor. In contrast, asupercharger is an externally driven inlet air compressor. By increasingthe power output of the engine, turbochargers are able to improve theefficiency of the engine. Using a turbocharger, a fuel/air mixture isintroduced to a cylinder, compressed by an upward piston stroke, andignited causing a downward piston stroke, providing a power output via acrankshaft. The exhaust gas exits the cylinder under pressure and flowsthrough the turbocharger. The compressor draws air (e.g., atmosphericair) and forces air into the engine, thereby increasing the efficiencyand/or power output of the engine.

While turbochargers are generally effective at increasing the efficiencyand/or power output of the engine, turbochargers can suffer from what isreferred to as “turbo lag.” For example, the flow of exhaust gas throughthe exhaust system may be insufficient to drive the turbocharger incertain circumstances (e.g., low engine rpms) thereby resulting in theturbocharger not rotating fast enough to provide air in sufficientquantity to noticeably increase the power output of the engine.Turbo-lag may be particularly problematic when using a relatively largeturbocharger for a given engine application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better understood byreading the following detailed description, taken together with thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative turbocharged enginesystem incorporating an airbox assembly that includes a reed valvecoupled between a turbocharger assembly and one or more cylinders in anengine, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2A is perspective view of an illustrative reed valve in an openposition or state and in which the reed valve includes at least a valvebody having one or more passageways formed therethrough, one or moreupper petals, and one or more upper sealing surfaces, and one or morelower sealing surfaces, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation of the illustrative reed valve depicted inFIG. 2A, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2C is a partial detail view of the portion of the illustrative reedvalve depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein;

FIG. 2D is a rear view of the illustrative reed valve depicted in FIGS.2A-2C that includes a plurality of passageways, each having a respectiveupper aperture and a respective lower aperture, in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 3A is perspective view of an illustrative reed valve in which theupper petal is depicted in a CLOSED position or state, in accordancewith at least one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3B is a lower perspective view of the illustrative reed valvedepicted in FIG. 3A and in which the lower apertures of each of theplurality of passageways is visible, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein;

FIG. 4A is perspective view of an illustrative reed valve in which theupper petal is depicted in slightly OPEN position or state, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the illustrative reed valve depictedin FIG. 4A and in which the upper sealing surface and the lower sealingsurface are more clearly visible, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an illustrative reed valve in which theupper petal and the lower petal have been removed to more clearly showdetails of the upper sealing surface and the lower sealing surface and asealing assembly that includes the sealing surfaces and a web memberthat physically couples the sealing surfaces on three sides of the valvebody, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5B is a side elevation of the illustrative reed valve 00 depictedin FIG. 5A, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5C is a sectional view of the illustrative reed valve depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B that more clearly depicts the details of the sealingassembly, including the sealing surfaces, the outer web portionconnecting the sealing surfaces on three sides of the valve body, afirst sealing surface portion, a second sealing surface portion, and alinking member connecting the first and the second sealing surfaceportions, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5D is an enlarged side elevation of the reed valve depicted inFIGS. 5A-5C, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein;

FIG. 5E is a dimensioned side elevation sectional view of an examplesealing surface, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein;

FIG. 5F is a partial sectional view of an example sealing surface, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting another illustrative engine systemthat includes one or more reed valves such as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, 4,and 5, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting another illustrative engine systemthat includes a plurality of reed valves such as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3,4, and 5, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods disclosed herein provide a reed valve and/or anairbox assembly capable of beneficially and advantageously assisting inminimizing the transient reduction in engine output power attributableto turbocharger lag (“turbo-lag”). The systems and methods disclosedherein provide a supplemental combustion air inlet that includes a reedvalve disposed between the turbocharger and an engine containing one ormore cylinders. The reed valve opens under a positive differentialpressure (inlet pressure>outlet pressure) to provide supplementalcombustion air to the engine during the transient period as theturbocharger spools, and closes under a negative differential pressure(outlet pressure>inlet pressure) when the turbocharger builds combustionair pressure. In some embodiments, the reed valve may function as aone-way or check valve that allows a flow of supplemental combustion airinto an airbox assembly fluidly coupled to the engine. However, those ofskill in the relevant arts should readily appreciate that the reedvalves and/or airbox assemblies disclosed herein may also be used inmany different applications such as in place of a traditional reed valvebolted directly to a 2-stroke engine case or as a reed valve in 4-strokeexhausts to mitigate noise/emissions. The reed valve disclosed hereinmay include a lip seal type feature just inside of the reed petal'sperimeter edge for improved sealing. The lip may also be asymmetric topand bottom, having less interference at the base and more at the tip,other otherwise variable in its interference with the reed petal alongthe length of the seal.

A reed valve is provided. The reed valve may include: a valve bodyhaving one or more passageways formed therethrough, each of the one ormore passageways including at least one inlet aperture and at least oneoutlet aperture; at least one sealing surface disposed at partiallyabout each of the at least one outlet apertures; and at least one petallocated and affixed to the valve body such that the at least one petalreversibly and continuously moves between: an open position where a gapforms between the at least one petal and the at least one sealingsurface upon application of a positive forward pressure differentialbetween the at least one inlet aperture and the at least one outletaperture, permitting forward flow through the one or more passageways;and a closed position where the at least one petal is disposed proximatethe at least one sealing surface upon application of a negative forwardpressure differential between the at least one inlet aperture and the atleast one outlet aperture, preventing reverse flow through the one ormore passageways (i.e., the at least one petal is flexibly coupled tothe valve body meaning that the pedal is secured to the valve body andflexes/bends relative to the valve body as the pedal moves between theOPEN and CLOSED positions).

An airbox assembly is provided. The airbox assembly may include: ahousing defining a mixing region having an inlet to receive combustionair and an outlet to discharge the combustion air having an inlet and anoutlet; and a reed valve fluidly coupled to the mixing region to permitthe flow of ambient air into the mixing region, the reed valveincluding: a valve body having one or more passageways formedtherethrough, each of the one or more passageways including at least oneinlet aperture fluidly coupled to an ambient air inlet and at least oneoutlet aperture; at least one sealing surface disposed at partiallyabout each of the at least one outlet apertures; and at least one petalflexibly coupled to the valve body, the at least one petal to reversiblyand continuously move between: an open position where a gap formsbetween the at least one petal and the at least one sealing surface uponapplication of a positive forward pressure differential between the atleast one inlet aperture and the at least one outlet aperture,permitting forward flow through the one or more passageways; and aclosed position where the at least one petal is disposed proximate theat least one sealing surface upon application of a negative forwardpressure differential between the at least one inlet aperture and the atleast one outlet aperture, preventing reverse flow through the one ormore passageways.

A turbocharged engine system is provided. The system may include: anengine having one or more cylinders and fuel/air inlet system and anexhaust manifold; a turbocharger assembly that includes: a turbineportion fluidly coupled to the exhaust manifold; and a compressorportion to provide combustion air to the engine; an airbox assemblyfluidly coupled to the turbocharger assembly, the airbox assembly toreceive the combustion air from the turbocharger assembly, the airboxassembly including: a housing defining a mixing region having an inletto receive combustion air and an outlet to discharge the combustion airhaving an inlet and an outlet; and a reed valve fluidly coupled to themixing region to permit the flow of ambient air into the mixing region,the reed valve including: a valve body having one or more passagewaysformed therethrough, each of the one or more passageways including atleast one inlet aperture fluidly coupled to an ambient air inlet and atleast one outlet aperture; at least one sealing surface disposed atpartially about each of the at least one outlet apertures; and at leastone petal flexibly coupled to the valve body, the at least one petal toreversibly and continuously move between: an open position where a gapforms between the at least one petal and the at least one sealingsurface upon application of a positive forward pressure differentialbetween the at least one inlet aperture and the at least one outletaperture, permitting forward flow through the one or more passageways;and a closed position where the at least one petal is disposed proximatethe at least one sealing surface upon application of a negative forwardpressure differential between the at least one inlet aperture and the atleast one outlet aperture, preventing reverse flow through the one ormore passageways; and a throttle body fluidly coupled between the airboxassembly and the engine, the throttle body to control the flow ofcombustion air to the engine.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative turbocharged enginesystem 100 incorporating an airbox assembly 110 that includes a reedvalve 112 coupled between a turbocharger assembly 120 and one or morecylinders in an engine 130, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein. As depicted in FIG. 1, the flow of exhaust gas 108produced by the engine 130 causes a turbine 122 in the turbochargerassembly 120 to rotate. The turbine 122 is physically coupled to acompressor 150 which draws combustion air 102 through filter 126, andincreases the pressure of the discharged combustion air 102. Thecompressed combustion air flows through a throttle body 140 thatcontrols the flow of a fuel/air mixture into the engine 130, therebyenhancing the power output of the engine 130. When the operatorincreases the throttle to provide additional fuel/air mixture to theengine 130, the time required for the turbocharger assembly 120 toincrease the combustion air pressure at the increased throttle positionis referred to as “turbo-lag.”

The effect of turbo-lag can be minimized using an airbox assembly 110 asdepicted in FIG. 1. As the throttle body 140 opens and the fuel/airmixture flow to the engine 130 increases, air pressure in the conduit152 coupling the turbocharger 130 to the engine 130 drops. The transientsub-atmospheric pressure condition in the conduit 152 created by theincreased air demand created by the opened throttle creates a positivedifferential pressure (inlet pressure>outlet pressure) across the reedvalve 112, causing the reed valve 112 to open permitting the flow ofsupplemental combustion air 104 through the reed valve 112, through thethrottle body 140, and into the engine 130. When the combustion airpressure in the conduit 152 increases above ambient atmospheric pressurecreating a negative differential pressure (outlet pressure>inletpressure) across the reed valve 112, causing the reed valve 112 toclose, allowing the engine 130 to receive the full pressure boostprovided by the turbocharger 120. Beneficially, the reed valve 112 opensto allow supplemental combustion air as the turbocharger 120 spools andcloses after the turbocharger 120 spools and provides pressurizedcombustion air to the engine 130 without requiring any intervention bythe vehicle operator.

The airbox assembly 110 may include one or more reed valves 112, one ormore air filters 114 supplying air to the one or more reed valves 112,and a mixing zone 116 where the supplemental combustion air 104 providedby the one or more improved reed valves 112 mixes with the combustionair 102 supplied by the turbocharger 120. The reed valve 112 isdescribed in greater detail in FIGS. 2-5, however in its most basicform, the reed valve 112 includes a valve body having at least in inletaperture and at least one outlet aperture. One or more displaceableand/or flexible petals cover the outlet aperture. The reed valve 112includes an enhanced sealing surface between the one or more petals andthe valve body. When pressure at the outlet aperture is less than thepressure at the inlet aperture, the one or more petals open the outletaperture permitting flow through the reed valve 112. When pressure atthe inlet aperture is less than the pressure at the outlet aperture ofthe reed valve 112, the one or more petals contact the enhanced sealingsurface, minimizing or even preventing flow through the improved reedvalve 112.

The reed valve 112 may be coupled, mounted, disposed at least partiallywithin, and/or otherwise secured in, on, or about the airbox assembly110. For example, one or more reed valves 112A-112 n may be directlycoupled to the frame of the airbox assembly 110. The reed valve 112 maybe secured to the frame/housing of the airbox assembly 110 using one ormore fasteners such as, but not limited to, bolts, clamps, screws,friction fits, tabs, snap fits, welding, or the like. In one example, atleast a portion of the reed valve 112 may be disposed within a cavityformed in the airbox assembly 110, such as, a cavity defined, at leastin part, by the frame/housing. Alternatively (or in addition), one ormore of the reed valves 112 may be disposed external to the airboxassembly 110. For example, a reed valve 112 may be coupled to an intakeboot/conduit or similar structure or assembly coupled to the air boxassembly 110 between the turbocharger 120 and the throttle body 140. Assuch, the reed valve 112 may be disposed at least partially internal tothe airbox assembly 110, at least partially external to the airboxassembly 110, or any combination thereof, while still providing analternative pathway for atmospheric air to enter the airbox assembly 110and/or conduit 152.

The reed valve 112 opens upon formation of a positive differentialpressure across the reed valve 112, for example when the pressure in theconduit 152 (i.e., the outlet pressure at the reed valve 112) is lessthan ambient pressure (i.e., the inlet pressure at the reed valve 112).The pressure in the conduit 152 may be affected by the position of thethrottle body 140—when the throttle position is increased (e.g., whenthe engine speed and/or power demand is increased) the increasedcombustion air flow through the throttle body 140 may cause a transientpressure drop within the conduit 152. For example, when the pressure inthe conduit 152 is under vacuum (e.g., a pressure in the conduit 152 isless then substantially atmospheric pressure), the reed valve 112 opens,thereby allowing supplemental combustion air 104 to flow into theconduit 152. Admitting supplemental combustion air 104 into the conduit152 provides a greater volume of combustion air to the engine 130consequently increasing the volume of exhaust gas 108. As the volume ofexhaust gas 108 passing through the turbine 122 increases, the speed ofthe turbine 122 and compressor 150 increases, thereby increasing thevolume of combustion air 102 discharged by the turbocharger assembly 120to the conduit 152. Once the combustion gas pressure 102 in the conduit152 increases above the pressure of the supplemental combustion air 104(e.g., the outlet pressure at the reed valve 112 exceeds thesubstantially atmospheric inlet pressure at the reed valve 112), thereed valve 112 closes. Consequently, the higher-pressure combustion air102 present in the conduit 152 does not escape through the airboxassembly 110 and is instead forced into the engine 130. As used herein,the term “substantially atmospheric pressure” is intended to mean +/−20%of ambient atmospheric pressure.

The at least one air filter 114 minimizes the quantity of particulatesand/or other contaminants flowing into the conduit 152 damaging orcompromising the operation of the throttle body 140 and/or the engine130. The supplemental combustion air 104 flowing through reed valve 112mixes with the combustion air 102 received from the turbochargerassembly 120 in the mixing zone 116. In embodiments, the mixing zone 116may include one or more static flow mixing devices to create turbulenceand improve mixing of the combustion air 102 with the supplemental inletair 104. The combined combustion air 102 and supplemental combustion air104 flow through the throttle body 140. A positionable element, such asa butterfly valve, disposed within the throttle body 140 controls thevolume of combustion air provided to the engine 130. The throttle body140 may include various apertures or orifices to permit the passage ofsmall quantities of combustion air such that the engine 130 remainsrunning in an “idle” state when the valve in the throttle body isclosed. Fuel 106, such as one or more liquid or gaseous hydrocarbonssuch as diesel, gasoline, and/or natural gas mixes with the combustionair exiting the throttle body 140 to provide a combustible fuel/airmixture to the engine 130.

The engine 130 may include a single- or multi-cylinder, two-stroke orfour-stroke engine. In at least some embodiments, the engine 130 mayinclude a two-stroke engine having one or more reed valves 112 operablycoupled to the crankcase of the engine 130. Within the engine 130, thefuel/air mixture is combusted to produce an exhaust gas 108 that isremoved from the engine 130. In embodiments, the exhaust gas 108 maypass through one or more emission control devices and/or one or morenoise attenuation devices.

The exhaust gas 108 flows into the turbine 122 portion of theturbocharger assembly 120. The flow of exhaust gas 108 through theturbine 122 causes the rotation of the turbine 122 and the compressor150 operably coupled to the turbine 122. The compressor 150 draws inambient air (e.g., air at substantially atmospheric pressure) anddischarges combustion air 102 at an increased pressure (e.g., air at apressure greater than atmospheric pressure) into the conduit 152.Increasing the pressure of the combustion air supplied to the engine 130increases the oxygen available for combustion in the engine, therebypermitting a greater fuel feed rate to the engine 130 to increase thepower output of the engine 130 when compared to a non-turbochargedengine 130. It should be appreciated that while the airbox assembly 110and throttle body 140 are depicted downstream of the turbocharger 120 inFIG. 1, in other embodiments, the airbox assembly 110 and/or throttlebody 140 may be disposed at any location and in any configuration inconduit 152.

FIG. 2A is perspective view of an illustrative reed valve 200 in an openposition or state and in which the reed valve 200 includes at least avalve body 230 having one or more passageways 210A-210D (collectively,“passageways 210”) formed therethrough, one or more upper petals 220U,and one or more upper sealing surfaces 240U, and one or more lowersealing surfaces 240L, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein. FIG. 2B is a side elevation of the illustrative reedvalve 200 depicted in FIG. 2A, having a valve body 230 with a firstvalve body portion 230A that includes the reed valve inlet and a secondvalve body portion 230B that includes one or more outlet apertures, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 2C is apartial detail view of the portion of the illustrative reed valve 200depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein. FIG. 2D is a rear view of the illustrative reed valve200 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C that includes a plurality of passageways210A-210D, each having a respective upper aperture 212A-212D(collectively, “upper apertures 212”) and a respective lower aperture214A-214D (collectively, “lower apertures 214”), in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein. It should be appreciated that thereed valve 200 may include only one petal 220, either upper or lowerpetals.

In embodiments, the illustrative reed valve 200 may include a valve body230, one or more upper petals 220U, one or more lower petals 220L (notshown in FIGS. 2A-2D), one or more upper sealing surfaces 240U, and oneor more lower sealing surfaces 240L. In embodiments, the one or moreupper petals 220U contact and seal against the one or more upper sealingsurfaces 240U. Similarly, in embodiments, the one or more lower petals220L contact and seal against the one or more lower sealing surfaces240L. By contacting the upper and the lower sealing surfaces 240, theupper and the lower petals 220 minimize or even prevent backflow throughreed valve 200. In embodiments, the valve body 230 may include one ormore sealing devices 232 to seal the gap between the reed valve 200 andthe airbox assembly 110 to prevent flow bypass or leakage around thereed valve 200. In embodiments, the reed valve 200 may include a firstvalve body port 230A that includes the one or more inlet apertures and asecond valve body portion that includes the one or more upper outletapertures 212 and/or one or more lower outlet apertures 214. The valvebody 230 and the one or more upper petals 220U and/or one or more lowerpetals 220L may include any reed valve design known to those skilled inthe art. For example, the valve body 230 and the one or more petals 220may include any design described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,880,577, 7,614,422,and 7,963,265, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.It should be appreciated that the illustrative reed valve 200 isdepicted in FIGS. 2A-2D with only a single upper petal 220U disposedabove an upper aperture 212A-212D in each of the plurality ofpassageways 210A-210D formed in the valve body 230, however, it shouldbe appreciated that the reed valve 200 may include one or moreadditional lower petals 220L disposed beneath or below each of some orall of the lower apertures 214A-214D such that flow is able to exit theillustrative improved reed valve 112 from both the upper aperture 212 ineach passageway 210 and the lower aperture 214 in each passageway 210.The petals may have alternate geometry as required to meet the desireddesign and performance requirements of the application. The reed valve200 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C includes a plurality of passageways210A-210D, each having both an upper aperture 212A-212D and a loweraperture 214A-214D. An upper petal 220U covers the upper aperture ofeach of the plurality of passageways 210A-210D and seals against anupper sealing surface 240U extending about the periphery of theplurality of passageways 210A-210D. To better illustrate the lower seal240L, the lower petal 220L has been omitted in each of FIGS. 2A-2D.

The passageways 210A-210D permit fluid flow (e.g., air and/or air-fuel,and/or air-oil and/or air-fuel-oil mixes) through the valve body 230.The one or more upper petals 220U and the one or more lower petals 220Lare independently, reversibly, and continuously, displaceable between anOPEN state or position (as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D) in which forwardfluid flow 280 through the passageways 210A-210D is permitted and aCLOSED state or position (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B) in whichreverse fluid flow 282 through the passageways 210A-210D is prevented.In embodiments, the reed valve 200 may include one or more passageways210 having an upper aperture 212A-212D through which fluid may flow, alower aperture 214A-214D through which fluid may flow, or both upper andlower apertures through which fluid may flow. In the example reed valve200 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, the reed valve 200 includes a plurality ofpassageways 210A-210D, each having a respective upper aperture 212A-212Dand a respective lower aperture 214A-214D.

The one or more upper sealing surfaces 240U seal the one or more upperpetals 220U to the valve body. The one or more lower sealing surfaces240L seal the one or more lower petals 220L to the valve body 230. Thisis particularly beneficial in forced-air (e.g., pressurized) systemssuch as an engine intake system for example, an airbox assembly 110 usedin conjunction with a turbocharged engine 130. The upper and/or lowersealing surfaces 240 may include a material that has been overmoldedabout a portion of the valve body 230. The overmold material used toprovide the one or more upper sealing surfaces 240U and the one or morelower sealing surfaces 240L may include one or more elastomeric orflexible materials. The overmold material may include but is not limitedto: epichlorohydrin, butadiene nitrile rubber, silicon or elastomericcompound with similar properties and ability to achieve variousdurometers and ability to have subtle compounding changes to alter theperformance. The overmold material used to provide the one or more uppersealing surfaces 240U and the one or more lower sealing surfaces 240Lmay be selected to withstand the temperature and pressure of theapplication, compatibility with any chemicals or compounds to which willbe exposed, as well as to be sufficiently soft so as to not damage thesurface of the one or more upper petals 220U and/or the one or morelower petals 220L after repeated cycling, closing, sealing, and/orcontact.

In some embodiments, the one or more upper sealing surfaces 240U and/orthe one or more lower sealing surfaces 240L may extend around all or aportion of the interface surfaces between the valve body 230 and the oneor more upper petals 220U and/or the one or more lower petals 220L,respectively. The interface surfaces are defined as the portions whichthe one or more upper petals 220U and/or the one or more lower petals220L would otherwise contact the valve body 230 when the reed valve 200is in the CLOSED state or position. The one or more upper sealingsurfaces 240U and/or the one or more lower sealing surfaces 240L may bedisposed within at least the interface surface between the one or moreupper petals 220U and/or the one or more lower petals 220L and the valvebody 230 when the reed valve 200 is in the CLOSED state or position.

In some embodiments, the one or more upper sealing surfaces 240U and/orthe one or more lower sealing surfaces 240L may be disposed around atleast a portion of a peripheral region 260 of the valve body 230. Theupper peripheral region 260 may include an area extending around theupper aperture(s) 212A-212D of the one or more passageways 210A-210Dformed in the valve body 230. Similarly, although not shown in FIGS.2A-2D, a lower peripheral region 260 may include an area extendingaround the lower aperture(s) 214A-214D of the one or more passageways210 formed in the valve body 230.

In the example reed valve depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, single, continuous,upper sealing surface 240U extends around the entirety of the upperperipheral region 260 of the valve body 230 and a single, continuous,lower sealing surface 240L extends around the entirety of the lowerperipheral region 260 of the valve body 230. As depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D,in embodiments, the upper sealing surface 240U and the lower sealingsurface 240L may be physically coupled together using a web member thatextends at least partially about the periphery of the upper sealingsurface 240U and the lower sealing surface 240L. In other embodimentsall or a portion of either or both the upper sealing surface 240U and/orthe lower sealing surface 240L may extend on, about, or across only aportion of the upper peripheral region 260 of the valve body 230. Forexample, in some embodiments, the upper sealing surface 240U may extendaround only a portion of the upper peripheral region 260, such as alonga distal region of the peripheral region 260 (e.g., the portion of theperipheral region 260 opposite the attachment fixtures 222A-222Dcoupling the upper petal 220U to the valve body 230), around only aproximate region of the peripheral region 260 (e.g., the portion of theperipheral region 260 proximate the attachment fixtures 222A-222Dcoupling the upper petal 220U to the valve body 230), and/or around onlyone or more of the side regions of the peripheral region 260 (e.g., theregion disposed between the distal and proximate regions) and/or betweenthe proximal and distal regions of the peripheral regions adjacent tothe one or more passageways. In some embodiments, either or both the oneor more upper sealing surfaces 240U and/or the one or more lower sealingsurfaces 240L may be asymmetrical. For example, the height and/or widthand/or cross-sectional shape of either or both the one or more uppersealing surfaces 240U and/or the one or more lower sealing surfaces 240Lmay taper. In one embodiment, the height of either or both the one ormore upper sealing surfaces 240U and/or the one or more lower sealingsurfaces 240L in the proximate region of the peripheral region 260 maybe smaller than the height of either or both the one or more uppersealing surfaces 240U and/or the one or more lower sealing surfaces 240Lin the distal region of the peripheral region 260.

FIG. 3A is perspective view of an illustrative reed valve 300 in whichthe upper petal 220U is depicted in a CLOSED position or state, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 3B is alower perspective view of the illustrative reed valve 300 depicted inFIG. 3A and in which the lower apertures 214A-214D of each of theplurality of passageways 210A-210D is visible, in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein. The lower petal 220L has beenomitted in both FIGS. 3A and 3B to more clearly show the lower sealingsurface 240L.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the upper petal 220U of reed valve300 is in the CLOSED state or position, the lower surface of the upperpetal 220U contacts the upper sealing surface 240U disposed, deposited,on or otherwise formed in, on, about, or across all or a portion of thesecond valve body portion 230B, thereby preventing reverse fluid flowthrough the reed valve 300. In embodiments, the upper petal 220U of reedvalve 300 is in the CLOSED state or position when the pressure on thedownstream side of the reed valve 300 exceeds the pressure on the inletside of the reed valve 300. Such a condition may exist, for example asdepicted in FIG. 1, when a negative differential pressure (outletpressure>inlet pressure) exists across the reed valve 300.

FIG. 4A is perspective view of an illustrative reed valve 400 in whichthe upper petal 220U is depicted in slightly OPEN position or state, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 4B is aside elevation view of the illustrative reed valve 400 depicted in FIG.4A and in which the upper sealing surface 240U and the lower sealingsurface 240L are more clearly visible, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein.

As depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the upper petal 220U of reed valve400 is in the slightly OPEN state or position, only a portion of thelower surface of the upper petal 220U contacts the upper sealing surface240U, thereby permitting forward fluid flow through the reed valve 400.In embodiments, the upper petal 220U of reed valve 300 is in theslightly OPEN state or position when a slight positive differentialpressure (inlet pressure>outlet pressure) exists across the reed valve400.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an illustrative reed valve 500 in whichthe upper petal 220U and the lower petal 220L have been removed to moreclearly show details of the upper sealing surface 240U and the lowersealing surface 240L and a sealing assembly 510 that includes thesealing surfaces 240 and a web member 520 that physically couples thesealing surfaces 240 on three sides of the second portion of the valvebody 230B, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.FIG. 5B is a side elevation of the illustrative reed valve 500 depictedin FIG. 5A, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.FIG. 5C is a sectional view of the illustrative reed valve 500 depictedin FIGS. 5A and 5B that more clearly depicts the details of the sealingassembly 510, including the sealing surfaces 240, the outer web portion520 connecting the sealing surfaces on three sides of the second portionof the valve body 230B, a first sealing surface portion 530, a secondsealing surface portion 540, and a linking member 550 connecting thefirst and the second sealing surface portions, in accordance with atleast one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5D is an enlarged sideelevation of the reed valve depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C, in accordance withat least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5E is a dimensioned sideelevation sectional view of an example sealing surface 240, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 5F is apartial sectional view of an example sealing surface 240, in accordancewith at least one embodiment described herein.

Referring first to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in at least some embodiments, anouter web portion 520 may physically couple at least a portion of theperimeter of the upper sealing surface 240U to at least a portion of theperimeter of the lower sealing surface 240L. For example, the outer webportion 520 may extend from the two sides and the distal end of theperimeters of both the upper sealing surface 240U and the lower sealingsurface 240L such that the second portion of the valve body 230B may beinserted at least partially into the three-sided, single piece sealingassembly 510 as depicted in FIG. 5A.

Referring next to FIGS. 5C-5E, the three-sided “pocket” construction ofthe single piece sealing assembly 510 includes both the upper sealingsurface 240U, the lower sealing surface 240L and the outer web portion520 that physically couples the upper sealing surface 240U to the lowersealing surface 240L. Also visible in FIG. 5C are construction detailsof the upper sealing surface 240U and the lower sealing surface 240L.Each of the upper and the lower sealing surfaces includes a firstsealing surface portion 530 and a second sealing surface portion 540physically connected by a linking member 550. As depicted in FIG. 5C, insome embodiments, the first sealing surface portion 530 may include amember that extends outwardly, at an angle, from the linking member 550and the second sealing surface portion 540 may include a generallytapered or trapezoidal member physically coupled to the linking member550.

Referring next to FIG. 5E, in at least some embodiments, the firstsealing surface portion 530 may have a thickness of from about 0.01inches to about 0.25 inches. In at least some embodiments, such asdepicted in FIG. 5E, the first sealing surface portion 530 may have athickness of about 0.015 inches. In at least some embodiments, thesecond sealing surface portion 540 may have a thickness of from about0.01 inches to about 0.25 inches. In at least some embodiments, such asdepicted in FIG. 5E, the second sealing surface portion 540 may have athickness of about 0.02 inches. In at least some embodiments, thelinking member 550 may have a thickness of from about 0.01 inches toabout 0.25 inches. In at least some embodiments, such as depicted inFIG. 5E, the linking member 550 may have a thickness of about 0.03inches. It should be appreciated that the reed valve 500 according tothe present disclosure is not limited to these dimensions unlessspecifically claimed as such. The 0.013 dimension of the second sealingsurface portion 540 may taper from about 0 to any dimension less than0.013 at the base. It should be appreciated that any of these dimensionsmay be increased and/or decreased by 25% or more.

With reference to FIG. 5F, in at least one embodiment, the seal profileis similar in concept to a hydraulic seal. In the closed position, asthe pressure of the discharged combustion air 102 increases, the firstsealing surface portion 530 is pushed into the mating part (e.g., petal220) with increasing force at the same time the petal 220 is beingpushed harder into the sealing surface portion 530 and/or second sealingsurface portion 540. For example, as the pressure of the dischargedcombustion air 102 increases while the reed valve is in the closedposition, the first sealing surface portion 530 and/or second sealingsurface portion 540 is pushed into the mating part (e.g., petal 220)with increasing force at the same time the petal 220 is being pushedharder into the sealing surface portion 530 and/or second sealingsurface portion 540. In short, sealing is enhanced as the operatingpressure increases.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting another illustrative engine system600 that includes one or more reed valves such as depicted in FIGS. 2,3, 4, and 5, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein. As depicted in FIG. 6, in embodiments, combustion air may beadmitted to engine system 600 via one or more airbox assemblies 110,each including one or more reed valves 112 and/or one or more airfilters 114. As depicted in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the enginesystem 600 may include a plurality of throttle bodies 140A and 140B. Insuch embodiments, a second reed valve 112B may be disposed betweenthrottle body 140A and throttle body 140B to prevent reverse flowthrough the engine system 140, for example when the throttle coupled tothrottle body 140A is opened either before or contemporaneous withopening of the throttle coupled to throttle body 140B.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting another illustrative engine system700 that includes a plurality of reed valves such as depicted in FIGS.2, 3, 4, and 5, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein. As depicted in FIG. 7, in some embodiments a first reed valve112A may be disposed in an airbox assembly 110 and a second reed valve112B may be disposed on the exhaust side of the engine 130. Ambientcombustion air is drawn through the first reed valve 112A. The secondreed valve 112B prevents the flow of exhaust gasses back into the engine130.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it isto be understood by those skilled in the art that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope ofthe invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope ofthe present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinaryskill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention, which is not to be limited except by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reed valve comprising: a valve body having oneor more passageways formed therethrough, each of the one or morepassageways including at least one inlet aperture and at least oneoutlet aperture; at least one sealing surface disposed at partiallyabout each of the at least one outlet apertures; and at least one petalflexibly coupled to the valve body, the at least one petal to reversiblyand continuously move between: an open position where a gap formsbetween the at least one petal and the at least one sealing surface uponapplication of a positive forward pressure differential between the atleast one inlet aperture and the at least one outlet aperture,permitting forward flow through the one or more passageways; and aclosed position where the at least one petal is disposed proximate theat least one sealing surface upon application of a negative forwardpressure differential between the at least one inlet aperture and the atleast one outlet aperture, preventing reverse flow through the one ormore passageways.
 2. The reed valve of claim 1, wherein the sealingsurface comprises a first portion having a constant cross-sectionalprofile and which includes the at least one inlet aperture and a secondportion having a tapered cross-sectional profile and which includes theat least one outlet aperture.
 3. The reed valve of claim 2, wherein theat least one sealing surface includes at least one sealing surfacephysically coupled to a member disposed about the second portion of thevalve body.
 4. The reed valve of claim 2, wherein the one or morepassageways includes a single passageway having a single inlet apertureand a plurality of outlet apertures.
 5. The reed valve of claim 4,wherein the plurality of outlet apertures include a plurality of outletapertures disposed on an upper surface of the tapered second portion ofthe valve body.
 6. The reed valve of claim 4, wherein the plurality ofoutlet apertures include a first plurality of outlet apertures disposedon an upper surface of the tapered second portion of the valve body anda second plurality of outlet apertures disposed on at least a portion ofa lower surface of the tapered second portion of the valve body.
 7. Thereed valve of claim 6, wherein the at least one sealing surfaceincludes: an upper sealing surface disposed about all of the firstplurality of apertures and a lower sealing surface disposed about all ofthe second plurality of apertures; and a web member coupling at least aportion of a perimeter of the upper sealing surface to at least aportion of the lower sealing surface.
 8. The reed valve of claim 6,wherein the at least one sealing surface includes: a plurality of uppersealing surfaces, each of the plurality of upper sealing surfacesdisposed about a respective one of the first plurality of apertures; aplurality of lower sealing surfaces, each of the plurality of lowersealing surfaces disposed about a respective one of the second pluralityof apertures; and a web member coupling at least a portion of anexternal perimeter of the plurality of upper sealing surface to at leasta portion of an external perimeter of the lower sealing surface.
 9. Thereed valve of claim 2, wherein the at least one sealing surfacecomprises a first sealing surface portion and a second sealing surfaceportion distal from the first sealing surface portion.
 10. The reedvalve of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing surface extendsaround only a portion of the periphery region of the valve body.
 11. Thereed valve of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing surface extendsaround the interface surfaces between the valve body and the petals. 12.The reed valve of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing surfaceextends only a portion of the interface surfaces between the valve bodyand the petals.
 13. The reed valve of claim 1, wherein the at least onesealing surface extends around the entire periphery region with sealingextending in a proximal-distal direction adjacent to the passageways.14. The reed valve of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing surfaceextends only a portion of the periphery region with sealing extending ina proximal-distal direction adjacent to the passageways.
 15. An airboxassembly comprising: an airbox including: a housing defining a mixingregion having an inlet to receive combustion air and an outlet todischarge the combustion air having an inlet and an outlet; and a reedvalve fluidly coupled to the mixing region to permit the flow of ambientair into the mixing region, the reed valve including: a valve bodyhaving one or more passageways formed therethrough, each of the one ormore passageways including at least one inlet aperture fluidly coupledto an ambient air inlet and at least one outlet aperture; at least onesealing surface disposed at partially about each of the at least oneoutlet apertures; and at least one petal flexibly coupled to the valvebody, the at least one petal to reversibly and continuously movebetween: an open position where a gap forms between the at least onepetal and the at least one sealing surface upon application of apositive forward pressure differential between the at least one inletaperture and the at least one outlet aperture, permitting forward flowthrough the one or more passageways; and a closed position where the atleast one petal is disposed proximate the at least one sealing surfaceupon application of a negative forward pressure differential between theat least one inlet aperture and the at least one outlet aperture,preventing reverse flow through the one or more passageways.
 16. Theairbox assembly of claim 15, further comprising a filter medium fluidlycoupled to the at least one inlet aperture of the reed valve.
 17. Theairbox assembly of claim 15, wherein the reed valve is configured toallow fluid to flow into the mixing region when the pressure within themixing region is below approximately atmospheric pressure.
 18. Theairbox assembly of claim 15, wherein the reed valve to substantiallyprevent fluid from flowing out of the mixing region when the pressurewithin the mixing region is above approximately atmospheric pressure.19. A turbocharged engine system comprising: an engine having one ormore cylinders and fuel/air inlet system and an exhaust manifold; aturbocharger assembly that includes: a turbine portion fluidly coupledto the exhaust manifold; and a compressor portion to provide combustionair to the engine; an airbox assembly fluidly coupled to theturbocharger assembly, the airbox assembly to receive the combustion airfrom the turbocharger assembly, the airbox assembly including: a housingdefining a mixing region having an inlet to receive combustion air andan outlet to discharge the combustion air having an inlet and an outlet;and a reed valve fluidly coupled to the mixing region to permit the flowof ambient air into the mixing region, the reed valve including: a valvebody having one or more passageways formed therethrough, each of the oneor more passageways including at least one inlet aperture fluidlycoupled to an ambient air inlet and at least one outlet aperture; atleast one sealing surface disposed at partially about each of the atleast one outlet apertures; and at least one petal flexibly coupled tothe valve body, the at least one petal to reversibly and continuouslymove between: an open position where a gap forms between the at leastone petal and the at least one sealing surface upon application of apositive forward pressure differential between the at least one inletaperture and the at least one outlet aperture, permitting forward flowthrough the one or more passageways; and a closed position where the atleast one petal is disposed proximate the at least one sealing surfaceupon application of a negative forward pressure differential between theat least one inlet aperture and the at least one outlet aperture,preventing reverse flow through the one or more passageways; and athrottle body fluidly coupled between the airbox assembly and theengine, the throttle body to control the flow of combustion air to theengine.
 20. The reed valve of claim 19, wherein the valve body comprisesa first portion having a constant cross-sectional profile and whichincludes the at least one inlet aperture and a second portion having atapered cross-sectional profile and which includes the at least oneoutlet aperture.
 21. The reed valve of claim 19, wherein the at leastone sealing surface includes at least one sealing surface physicallycoupled to a member disposed about the second portion of the valve body.22. The reed valve of claim 19, wherein the one or more passagewaysincludes a single passageway having a single inlet aperture and aplurality of outlet apertures.